Age-associated decline of meningeal gdT cells and their modulation by the gut-meninges axis

The brain is highly susceptible to aging, with a notable decline in multiple brain functions. To empower strategies that restrain the influence of age on the brain, we must identify the brain- regulatory factors that undergo age-associated decline and, more importantly, identify those amenable to being boosted or rebounded in the setting of advanced age. We identified such a factor: the brain-regulatory, gamma-delta T cell (γδT) that resides in the meninges. This proposal presents several fundamental discoveries regarding the influence of age on meningeal γδT cells, their regulation by gut microbes, and gut-centric interventions that drive their rebound in advanced age. Figuring out how to fortify γδ17 cells to support brain health will have a transformative impact on human health, particularly as it relates to advanced age. This collaborative proposal endeavors to make strident leaps toward this long-term goal. Project Number: 1R01AG096914-01A1 | Fiscal Year: 2026 | NIH Institute/Center: National Institute on Aging (NIA) | Principal Investigator: Gianna Hammer | Institution: UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, SALT LAKE CITY, UT | Award Amount: $612,346 | Activity Code: R01 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 IIDB-A (02)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11391600